How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Bags Using Date Code
If you’re investing in a Louis Vuitton bag, one of the most common concerns is authenticity. While Louis Vuitton does not use serial numbers for most of their items, they do use something called a date code. Here’s everything you need to know to understand and check the date code on your LV piece.
🔍 What Is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?
A date code is a stamped combination of letters and numbers found either on the interior lining or a leather tag inside the bag. It tells you where and when the bag was made, but not whether it’s authentic. Many fakes have date codes too, so this is just one factor in a full authentication process.
⚠️ Having a correct date code does not guarantee authenticity. But an incorrect or missing code is a red flag.
📅 How to Read a Louis Vuitton Date Code
1. Prior to the early 1980s: No date codes were used.
2. Early 1980s:
- 3 or 4 digits only.
- First 2 numbers = year, last number(s) = month.
- Example:
836= June 1983.
3. Late 1980s:
- 3 or 4 digits followed by 2 letters.
- Numbers = year and month, letters = factory location.
- Example:
874VX= April 1987, made in France.
Later in the 80s, the letters started to appear first, followed by numbers.
4. 1990–2006:
- Format: 2 letters + 4 numbers
- Letters = factory, 1st & 3rd numbers = month, 2nd & 4th = year.
- Example:
VI1025= December 2005, made in France.
5. 2007–2021:
- Same format: 2 letters + 4 numbers
- 1st & 3rd numbers = week of the year, 2nd & 4th = year.
- Example:
SD2057= 25th week of 2007, made in the USA.
6. 2021 & Beyond:
- Louis Vuitton is phasing out date codes in favor of microchips embedded in the bags. These are invisible and can only be read by LV staff.
🌍 Louis Vuitton Factory Location Codes
The first 2 letters of the date code show where the item was made. Here are the most common ones:
France: A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, CO, CT, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TJ, TH, TR, TS, VI, VX
Germany: LP
Italy: BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, PL, RC, RE, SA, TD
Spain: CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI
Switzerland: DI, FA
USA: FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL
✨ Tip: Use this table to cross-reference the country with the look and feel of the item.
❓ Can a Real Louis Vuitton Have No Date Code?
Yes. Some authentic Louis Vuitton bags, especially vintage or those with alcantara lining, may have faded or unreadable date codes. Cleaning or age can make the stamp disappear.
Also, starting in 2021, Louis Vuitton began adding microchips inside the bags to replace traditional date codes. These cannot be accessed by customers.
📷 Final Thoughts
While date codes are an important piece of the puzzle, they are not proof of authenticity by themselves. To fully verify a bag, always check the quality of materials, stitching, hardware, and brand markings. When in doubt, consult an expert.
At Luxurylana, we inspect every item carefully and guarantee authenticity. Shop with confidence and style.
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